AI’s Energy Appetite: What Data Centers Mean for the Future of Electricity Prices

Discover how AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand, prices, and why smarter HVAC and efficiency are critical for sustainable growth.

Ava Montini

Jan 27, 2026

Written by

Published on

Powering intelligence, shaping energy

Artificial intelligence has gone from “what if” to “what now.” We use it to draft reports, analyze data, streamline workflows, and even generate design ideas. But while the results appear on our screens instantly, what powers them is anything but invisible.

Behind every AI tool is a data center; rows of servers drawing massive amounts of power and generating equally massive amounts of heat. And with AI adoption soaring, those facilities are putting real pressure on our electricity grids.

Bloomberg recently reported that in PJM, the largest U.S. grid, capacity prices jumped sharply as AI-driven data center demand climbed (Bloomberg). For operators, this is a direct hit to energy budgets.

So while AI is exciting, it comes with a new operational reality: efficiency in cooling, airflow, and HVAC isn’t optional. It’s the difference between runaway costs and sustainable growth.

Why AI is different from past computing booms

Previous waves of digital growth (like cloud adoption) drove steady data center expansion. But AI is different. Training large models consumes enormous amounts of energy. The International Energy Agency estimates that data center electricity use could nearly double by 2030 to around 1,000 TWh, roughly equal to Japan’s entire annual consumption (IEA).

And it’s not just training. Inference: the everyday process of users asking questions or running AI tasks is multiplying demand across millions of devices. Goldman Sachs forecasts a 165% increase in data center power demand by 2030, largely due to AI (Goldman Sachs).

Cooling: a hidden energy driver

When people think about data centers, they picture racks of servers. But behind that computing load is another energy giant: cooling.

HVAC, chillers, pumps, and fans often make up 30–40% of total energy use in data centers (U.S. DOE). That means the “support systems” keeping servers at safe temperatures can rival the IT equipment itself in energy demand.

And because these systems run 24/7, even small inefficiencies snowball:

A high-resistance filter forces fans to draw extra kilowatts all day, every day.
A dirty coil reduces heat transfer, stretching compressor runtimes.
A miscalibrated damper throws airflow off balance, raising both costs and emissions.

Clogged filters can cut supply airflow by over 35%, driving higher fan power and cooling loads (MDPI). Others highlight how loaded filters in constant-speed systems directly increase electricity use (University of Texas at Austin).

Now scale that across a hyperscale AI-driven facility. A 3% efficiency penalty may look small on paper, but in practice, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and add unnecessary CO₂e to your footprint.

That’s why low-pressure, high-efficiency filtration matters. It cuts resistance without sacrificing capture, reducing fan energy hour after hour. For operators under pressure from rising power prices and sustainability goals, it’s one of the simplest ways to shrink cooling costs while protecting uptime.

Why efficiency pays off more now

Energy savings have always lowered costs. But as grids get stressed and data center demand rises, the value of each saved kilowatt is climbing. Bloomberg recently reported that capacity prices on PJM, the largest U.S. grid, have spiked because of new data center growth (Bloomberg).

In practical terms, this changes the math:

A coil cleaning that once took years to pay for itself can now pay back in just a few months.
Smarter controls and calibrated ventilation keep you protected when prices swing.
Low-pressure filtration quietly reduces fan energy every hour, stacking up bigger savings as electricity prices rise.

The bottom line is that efficiency has become one of the fastest and most reliable ways to control operating costs in an unpredictable energy market.

Building smarter, not just bigger

For operators, the roadmap isn’t a mystery. The tools are already here:

Low-pressure filtration to keep fans efficient hour after hour.
Adaptive cooling strategies like variable-speed fans, economizers, and containment to right-size energy use.
Monitoring-based commissioning and diagnostics to stop efficiency losses before they become routine.
Load shifting and grid-aware operations to tap cleaner, cheaper hours of power (IEA).

Every watt counts

As AI expands, data centers will continue to carry a heavier share of global electricity demand. That makes efficiency less of an option and more of an operating requirement.

The lesson is simple: efficiency and reliability are not competing goals. When facilities prioritize both, they not only manage rising energy costs but also reduce their carbon footprint in measurable, reportable ways. AI may be shaping the demand curve, but how operators respond will shape the industry's long-term sustainability.

Charting Tomorrow: 2024 Technology Trends in Commercial Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitoring

Jennifer Crowley
Feb 6, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Mans hand accessing Indoor Air Quality monitor sensor in his industrial place of business — 2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of IAQ monitoring tech for commercial spaces.

In the dynamic landscape of commercial spaces, 2024 is set to usher in transformative advancements in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring technologies. As businesses increasingly prioritize the well-being of their occupants, the integration of smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) will be instrumental in transitioning IAQ systems from simple air quality monitors to integral components of energy management systems. By enabling precise control and monitoring through smart sensors, IoT helps in reducing the overall carbon footprint of buildings, which is essential for the evolution of smart, sustainable cities and homes. 

Smart Sensors Redefining IAQ Monitoring:

In 2024, the advent of cutting-edge smart sensors is at the forefront of IAQ monitoring. These intelligent devices go beyond traditional monitoring methods, offering real-time data on various air quality parameters. From tracking pollutants to monitoring humidity levels, smart sensors provide a comprehensive view of indoor environments, empowering businesses to proactively address potential issues.

IoT Integration for Seamless Connectivity:

The rise of IoT is seamlessly integrating IAQ monitoring into the broader realm of smart building management. Connected sensors and devices communicate in real-time, enabling a holistic approach to indoor air quality control. This interconnectedness not only facilitates efficient data collection but also allows for automated responses to maintain optimal air quality levels.

Comprehensive Solutions for Commercial Spaces:

Commercial indoor spaces, ranging from offices to manufacturing facilities, are increasingly adopting comprehensive IAQ monitoring solutions. These solutions offer a multi-faceted approach, encompassing pollutant detection, ventilation control, and personalized insights into efficiency measurements.

This year marks a notable shift towards proactive strategies, where businesses leverage advanced technologies to create healthier and more productive environments for their occupants, which, in turn, results in an increase in employee productivity a reduction in sick days and an overarching cost savings associated with their workforce.

Real-Time Analytics Driving Informed Decision-Making:

The integration of real-time analytics is a game-changer in IAQ monitoring. Businesses can now access immediate insights into air quality trends and anomalies, enabling them to make informed decisions swiftly. This proactive approach not only addresses potential issues promptly but also enhances overall operational efficiency and cost savings.

User-Friendly Interfaces for Enhanced Accessibility:

As IAQ monitoring becomes more sophisticated, user-friendly interfaces are key to ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders. Intuitive dashboards and mobile applications provide users with easy access to IAQ data, allowing them to monitor and manage air quality parameters effortlessly.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:

In line with broader sustainability trends, IAQ monitoring solutions in 2024 emphasize energy efficiency. Smart sensors and IoT technologies contribute to optimizing HVAC systems, ensuring ventilation and air quality controls can continually be optimized to achieve minimal energy.

2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of IAQ monitoring technologies for commercial spaces. With the integration of smart sensors, IoT connectivity, and a focus on comprehensive solutions, businesses can proactively create healthier and safer indoor environments.

As we navigate the future, these technological trends not only enhance the well-being of occupants but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainability and efficiency in commercial spaces, while creating visibility to technological ROI. Stay tuned as we witness the transformative impact of IAQ monitoring technologies in shaping the way we perceive and manage indoor air quality.

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